Stroll Among 170,000 Twinkling Lights in an Enchanting Alberta Garden This Winter

The Winter Light Festival at the renowned Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden in Lethbridge is back for another year, and we couldn’t be more excited to share the news. Picture twinkling lights, music, dancing, art, culture, and so much more. The garden is magical year-round, so you can only imagine just how spectacular it becomes during the Winter Light Festival.

This is their second year to showcase the theme “A Celebration of the Season.” It’s where the Garden is transformed to represent all four seasons in one location. The Garden will feature themed lights and attractions for each season, including Haru (Spring), Natsu (Summer), Aki (Fall), and Fuyu (Winter). Each season brings its own unique charm—for example, Haru dazzles with pink and purple lights adorned with parasols, while the Fuyu section boasts a light tunnel, a Mt. Fuji structure, glowing lanterns, and mini igloos perfect for kids’ photo ops.

If you haven’t had a chance to visit the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden in Lethbridge, you simply must. Established in 1967 as a centennial project in the City of Lethbridge, this place is so magical that it was named among the Top 10 Gardens Worth Traveling for in North America. That’s not all—this hot spot also holds the title of the number-one tourist destination in Lethbridge. So, if people are willing to travel from far and wide to see this place with their own two eyes, we’d say all of us Albertans don’t have an excuse not to visit.

The Winter Light Festival is a feast for the senses and a surefire way to brighten up even the darkest winter nights. While the season may bring long evenings, the garden will be alive with light and colour, offering an unforgettable glow that fills the crisp winter air. It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season, soak up some magic, and create memories to last a lifetime.

Looking for a romantic date idea? The festival is tailor-made for cozy strolls under a canopy of twinkling lights, making it a wonderful option for Valentine’s Day or any special night with someone you love. Families will also find plenty to enjoy, with interactive displays like the giant Lite-Brite in the Kid’s Corner that’s guaranteed to delight kids and parents alike. And let’s not forget about friends—what better way to shake off the winter blues than with a fun night out surrounded by dazzling lights and captivating sights?

Want to make your experience even more special? Add the Kamakura Projection Dome to your itinerary. This magical igloo-like space is an immersive experience that’s sure to leave you in awe. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic Date Night in the Dome or just looking to take in something extraordinary, this is one add-on you won’t want to miss.

The festival kicks off on November 29th and runs until February 28th, with opening hours tailored to each month. From the holidays to mid-winter, it’s the perfect excuse to bundle up and get outside. Be sure to mark your calendar for New Year’s Eve, when you can take part in Joya No Kane, a traditional Japanese bell-ringing ceremony that brings peace and good fortune to the year ahead.

Whether you’re starting a new holiday tradition, spending quality time with loved ones, or just looking to make the most of winter, the Winter Light Festival at Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden is your go-to destination. Grab your tickets, wrap up warm, and prepare to be enchanted. Winter in Alberta has never been brighter.